FIA Working on 'Universal Engine' Concept

If a 'universal engine' is approved, F3 cars will share a basic powerplant with F1.

Most Read

In perhaps its most meaningful and wide-reaching project in reducing costs associated with motor racing, the FIA is studying the feasibility of developing a "universal engine." See "Tech Tidbits," May 2009, for an earlier mention of this concept.

The FIA says the engine could be used in open-wheel cars including F1, IndyCar, GP2, A1GP, and F3, as well as in sports-car series such as the LMP1 and LMP2 classes of the ALMS, European-based LMS and the 24 Hours of Le Mans, along with the Grand-Am, WTCC and DTM (German Touring Car) series; and in rallying with the WRC.

The architecture — a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine — would see its power output range from 200 bhp in an F3 car to 600 bhp or more in an F1 car. The FIA is hoping that such an engine would be available for the 2013 season.

Although the IndyCar Series does not fall under the auspices of the FIA, a similar formula has been mentioned for powering the next-generation IndyCar (see Trackside, June 2009). Should such a money-saving "universal" engine be adopted for widespread use by the auto manufacturers, this might lead to their increased participation in a wider array of racing series.